Palazzo Borromeo

Welcome to the Pah-lat-tsoh Bor-oh-may-oh, a breathtaking expression of aristocratic ambition and Baroque theatricality situated on Ee-zoh-lah Bel-lah, in the heart of Lake Maggiore. As a scholar of architectural history, I find…

Your journey begins at the Embarcadero, the island’s pier. Arriving here by boat is an essential part of the experience, as it allows you to see the island as its creators intended—from the perspective of the lake. …

Upon entering the palace, you are greeted by the Sah-loh-nay del-le Fes-tay, or the Grand Hall. This is the ceremonial heart of the palace, designed to overwhelm the visitor with its scale and light. …

Descending to the lower level, we enter the Grottes, a series of six interconnected rooms decorated entirely with pebbles, shells, tufa, and lava stones. This is perhaps the most unique and imaginative part of the palace. …

The Gallery of Tapestries is home to an extraordinary collection of sixteenth-century Flemish tapestries, gifted to the Borromeo family. These massive works of art depict the 'Grotesque' style, filled with mythological creatures,…

The Music Room is a smaller, more intimate space that showcases the family’s love for the performing arts. It houses a fine collection of historical musical instruments and is decorated with portraits of musicians and composers. …

Emerging from the palace into the gardens, you are confronted by the Teh-ah-troh Mas-see-moh, the most spectacular element of the island’s landscape. This massive, three-tiered monument is adorned with statues, fountains, and…

As we conclude our exploration of the Pah-lat-tsoh Bor-oh-may-oh and its extraordinary gardens, I hope you carry with you a sense of the boundless ambition and artistic vision that created this place. We have journeyed from the…